Have you ever wondered why the LASIK cost ranges from cities and states across the U.S? Some LASIK surgeons may offer treatments at under $500 per eye, while others reach over $5000 for the total treatment. What accounts for these wide price ranges?
The LASIK cost may depend on the LASIK surgeons experience, the type of equipment used, and average market prices in a specific location. LASIK cost has become more affordable in recent years because of new technologies and an increased number of available doctors to perform the procedure.
LASIK procedures have become a competitive business, and being an informed patient when choosing a doctor means you can benefit from reduced treatment programs without compromising your health. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, make sure you’re not paying too much by considering the following factors:
LASIK Cost– What You’re Paying For
Every doctor sets their own price for LASIK surgery based on:
• Doctor’s experience (rates)
• Office operational costs
• Royalties paid to the LASIK laser manufacturer
• Staff salaries
• Medications and recovery treatments available
• Advertising budgets
• Type of laser and technology used
Standard LASIK costs averaged $1,646 for both eyes in 2010, according to Market Scope, a research company for the ophthalmic industry. Custom LASIK and procedures that use some of the latest technologies can increase the cost up to $500 per eye.
Today, the cost has steadily dropped around the nation, but higher-priced options that use innovative technologies may offer safer and more effective results.
Average LASIK Cost in 2011
Market Scope also reports the following national average costs associated with different LASIK procedures:
Flapless: $1950 per eye, average range $1500 - $2400
Wavefront Flapless: $2100 per eye, average range of $1750 - $2450
LASIK: $1800 per eye, average range of $1450-$2250
Wavefront LASIK: $2150 per eye, average range of $1700 - $2600
IntraLASIK: $2400 per eye, average range of $1800 - $2900
Wavefront IntraLASIK: $2400 per eye, average range of $1850 - $2950 (Source: MarketScope Reports)
Wavefront and IntraLASIK procedures make use of the latest technology, and are considerably more expensive. Still, most doctors offer convenient payment plans and low-interest
patient financing to make it easier to manage LASIK cost.
LASIK Cost is Cheap-Too Good to Be True?
Despite the $1000+ price tags for quality LASIK procedures, many laser eye surgery centers offer rock-bottom pricing on each service. As attractive as these ‘bargain-priced’ services may sound, some can compromise your health and safety. The Pendleton Eye Center, a professional eye clinic in Oceanside, California encourages all patients to simply ignore the 'bargain discount laser surgery mart’ because most go bankrupt within a few years of operation, and "will destroy your records as soon as state laws permit" (Source: PendletonEye.com).
It’s important to learn as much as possible about your doctor before signing a contract for your procedure; this process may involve reviewing patient testimonials, learning about the doctor’s experience, and finding out what resources you have available in case of any complications.
Paying the right price for LASIK may require you to stretch your budget, but when you know what the average costs of LASIK surgery and related procedures are in your area, you can make a better decision. Patient financing can also help manage costs so you don’t have to scale back on what’s more important than your budget – your health and safety.
Locate a
LASIK surgeon in your area to get a quote on your procedure and set up a consultation.
